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Lockout Law and Legal Definition

In the employment context, a lockout occurs when management shuts down
company operations to prevent union workers from working. It is a tactic
typically used by employers to hinder union organization or to gain leverage
in labour disputes. Although it may entail locking employees out of the
workplace, but it can also be achieved through work stoppage, layoffs,
or the hiring of nonunion replacement workers. Lockouts have generally
been regarded as legal by the courts, although in some cases they have
been held unlawful if they violate the terms of a joint agreement.

Lockout may also refer to the practices and procedures necessary to
disable machinery or equipment in order to prevent the release of hazardous
energy while employees perform servicing and maintenance activities.